Build A 4K Playback Capable Computer For $25 With This Board

If you’re proficient with Raspberry Pi modding and creating your own awesome pieces of tech, here’s one project you’ll definitely want to try out. The Rock64 Media Board Computer is a $25 board that can allow you to put together an Android-based computer with 4K video playback and USB 3.0 support for ten dollars less than the Raspberry Pi can.

The similarly-sized is smaller than the $35 Raspberry Pi, but it has very unique specs to help buyers make a purchasing decision. For example, the Rock64 is actually much more capable than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, with support for HDR10 and HDMI 2.0a. It includes one USB 3.0 as well, though the tradeoff is losing one USB port in comparison to the Pi 3.

While the Pi itself has a lower learning curve than the Rock64, it’s overall less powerful and capable of less powerful output and whatnot, as the Rock64 runs on a quad-core ARM Cortex A53-based system on a chip, such as the Rockchip RK3328. The smallest version of it comes with 1GB for $25, and you can get 2GB for $35or 4GB for $45. It’s not out just yet, but you can get your hands on it starting July 31.

If you’re looking for something small and powerful to do your bidding like this, keep in mind that you could still alternatively pick up a Raspberry Pi and simply augment it with additional parts if this board seems more difficult to deal with. There’s plenty of boards out there that you can mold to your purposes if you don’t feel you’re proficient enough to use something you’re unfamiliar with.